KILCULLEN GETTING A COMMUNITY CAR

Ali O'Brien, Operations Manager of Dunlea's Kia, with Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, who has negotiated the initiative.

Kilcullen will be getting its own community car early next month, courtesy of Dunlea’s Kia and the Kildare Leader Partnership, writes Brian Byrne. The availability of the car will make a significant difference to the lives of many in the community who need transport to medical and other appointments in places and at times when public transport isn't a viable option. 

The initiative has been welcomed by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, who has been working to arrange the facility for a considerable time. It will be the second such community car in County Kildare — the first has been available to residents of the Kildare town area since January 2025. The concept was piloted in 2019 by Fingal County Council, who provided a car in Skerries. 

Use of the Kilcullen car, a Kia Sportage, will be managed by the call centre in Kildare town that's currently operating the car based there. Kildare Leader will fund the operating expenses. A number of volunteer drivers will be recruited to provide a full-time service with the Kilcullen car. 

Dunlea’s Kia, who will be opening a brand-new premises beside the Link Park in December, say their sponsorship of the car gives them the opportunity to support the town where the business has been located for many years. “This way we can provide help to vulnerable people in this community,” says Ali O'Brien, Operations Manager at Dunlea’s. “We're delighted to have the opportunity.”

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer says it is a project she has been passionate about after identifying a growing hardship among older residents in the Kilcullen area. “Due to limited public transport schedules, long travel times, and the high cost of taxis for people living on a fixed income, many were struggling to attend medical appointments, in some cases missing them entirely,” she says. “It's a real stressor for people, with those of a certain age not being able to drive themselves, and not wanting to bother family who have their own daily pressures.”

The process as already developed by Kildare Leader is straightforward. Those requiring the service can book the car in advance through a dedicated phone number. They will then be collected at their home and returned after their appointment. 

A launch of the service will take place during early November, with full booking details and the phone numbers being circulated in advance of that. 

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